Saturday, January 31, 2009

My Gospel Study in January 2009

Among other things, my personal gospel study in January included the following:

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History
Lesson 2: “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”
Lesson 3: “I Had Seen a Vision”
Lesson 4: “Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon”
Lesson 5: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”


Chapter 24: Leading in the Lord’s Way
Chapter 25: Truths from the Savior’s Parables in Matthew 13


General Conference Addresses October 2008
Dallin H. Oaks: Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament
"President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “This is an occasion when the gospel should be presented, when we should be called upon to exercise faith, and to reflect on the mission of our Redeemer, and to spend time in the consideration of the saving principles of the gospel, and not for other purposes. Amusement, laughter, light-mindedness, are all out of place in the sacrament meetings of the Latter-day Saints. We should assemble in the spirit of prayer, of meekness, with devotion in our hearts” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:342).

"When we do this—when we join in the solemnity that should always accompany the ordinance of the sacrament and the worship of this meeting—we are qualified for the companionship and revelation of the Spirit. This is the way we get direction for our lives and peace along the way."

Henry B. Eyring: O Ye That Embark
"It is like building muscle strength. You must break down your muscles to build them up. You push muscles to the point of exhaustion. Then they repair themselves, and they develop greater strength. Increased spiritual strength is a gift from God which He can give when we push in His service to our limits. Through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our natures can be changed. Then our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give."

Carlos A. Godoy: Testimony as a Process
"A testimony then, for some people, may come through a single and irrefutable event. But for others, it may come through a process of experiences that, perhaps not as remarkable but when combined, testify in an indisputable way that what we have learned and lived is true."

Ensign, January 2009

The Friend, January 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Scripture of the Week: The Family Proclamation

"Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ".
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World," paragraph 7.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Recently Read: Everlost

Everlost by Neal Shusterman

"Marvelously inventive...and magically beautiful." -- Orson Scott Card, author of Ender's Game

Reading Level: Young adult

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Scripture of the Week: 1 Corinthians 3:16

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"
1 Corinthians 3:16

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Recently Read: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Books 1-3)

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
"Packed with humorous allusions to Greek mythology . . . along with rip-snorting action sequences, this book really shines." -- Horn Book Magazine

"[A] riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship and loyalty." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review


The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
"In a feat worthy of his heroic subjects, Riordan crafts a sequel stronger than his compelling debut." -- Publishers Weekly

"[A] fast and funny tale, full of action, wisecracks, and superhuman powers." -- Kliatt

The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Living the good life

"Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life."
Mortimer J. Adler